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“The history of civilization is a history of brave men and women refusing to bow to government wrongdoing or injustice, and exalting knowledge, virtue, wisdom, and selflessness over creature comforts as the North Star of life,” the letter continues. “We believe your actions fall within that honorable tradition, a conviction we believe is shared by many.”

In an interview with POLITICO, Fein said the letter was posted online because Snowden’s father has been unable to directly communicate with his son.

“Julian Assange called me on Saturday and relayed some information that he wanted transmitted to the father, and said you know if you want to get back to Edward, here’s an intermediary,” Fein said, but noted that Lon Snowden wants to be directly connected to his son and that the letter was the “least worst alternative.”

Fein said they believe Snowden has access to the mainstream media and Internet and is physically safe, but that Assange and WikiLeaks are not looking out for Snowden’s best interests.

“I think the facts speak for themselves. We have a track record on WikiLeaks,” Fein said.

Fein said at the moment, he and Snowden’s father have not teamed up with any other groups, but are looking down the road to create an advocacy fund and draft a privacy act in Edward Snowden’s name.

“We’re holding back ‘til we see what the landscape looks like for what the most effective way is to move forward,” Fein said.